Haven or Hell?
We venture once again into the visually bleak surroundings of no where South Carolina with our huntress Dancy thanks to the superb graphics of Steve Lieber and colorist Rachell Rosenberg. Her encounter with the wolf in the first issue did not leave her unscathed, and author Caitlin Kiernan deftly creates a dialog between her and the pesky blackbird of just how dire her situation may become if she ignores the obvious. I sometimes wonder if this creature isn’t a physical representation of Dancy’s own subconscious as I read through the arguments and taunts the blackbird dishes out.
Momentarily we are allowed a peek into the surreal history of this injured waif of a girl as we are transported back in time during a of wave of her fever induced delirium. It is becoming quite clear that at the tender age of 17, this girl has endured battles with unspeakable terrors and demons both physically and mentally. As she regains some resemblance of awareness, she finally musters enough strength to venture outside again in search of the things that will keep her breathing another day.
Wounded, but still alive, she finds what she needs and discovers something she also recognizes from her fractured memories of days not so long past. But why here? Why now? Finally she sets out for a familiar building to retreat into what under normal circumstances would mean temporary comfort and a safe haven. But this isn’t your Norman Rockwell painting of a friendly small town now is it? Instead of finding refuge, she walks into what, to most, would be the bowels of Hell itself. There will be no rest for the weary to be found here, at least not yet. Once again she is thrown into the abyss. How can she overcome this latest challenge when everything seems to be working against her? Will help come from above? Has her angel returned or did the most unlikely of saviors appear in the nick of time?
I will let you find out for yourselves as you enjoy the latest installment.
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